Spacer and building component for a wall structure and method and device

ABSTRACT

In a building component or shuttering body ( 2 ) for the production of a wall structure including to oppositely located and substantially parallel, plate-shaped elements ( 6, 7 ) connected by at least two spacers ( 1 ), wherein the free space between the plate-shaped elements ( 6, 7 ) is fillable with an, in particular, settable mass, e.g. concrete, it is provided that it comprises at least two spacers ( 1 ) of polystyrene, in particular expandable polystyrene of elevated density, as well as plate-shaped elements ( 6, 7 ) of polystyrene, in particular expandable polystyrene, so as to enable the production of a building component ( 2 ) in a simple and cost-effective manner.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a spacer or connection element for abuilding component or shuttering body for the production of a wallstructure including two oppositely located and substantially parallel,plate-shaped elements connected by at least two spacers, wherein thefree space between the plate-shaped elements is fillable with an, inparticular, settable mass, e.g. concrete. The present invention,moreover, relates to such a building component or shuttering body forthe production of a wall structure, a method and device for producingsuch a building component or shuttering body, and a wall structureproduced in this manner.

PRIOR ART

In the context of the production of wall structures, so-called insulatedconcrete forming systems are, for instance, known, in which buildingcomponents or shuttering bodies comprising substantially parallel,plate-shaped elements and spacers arranged therebetween are employed,wherein the free space between the plate-shaped elements is, forinstance, fillable with concrete such that, after the concrete has set,the building components or shuttering bodies will remain there as a lostshuttering and, if produced of synthetic materials, will directly serveas wall insulation means. In this context, embodiments are, forinstance, known, in which the spacers are made of metallic materials,polypropylene or similar plastics produced, for instance, by injectionmolding.

Those embodiments involve the drawback that the spacers and plate-shapedelements of synthetic material, which are directly used as wallinsulation means after the completion of the wall structure, are, thus,comprised of different materials, which will create problems in thedisposal of such components or shuttering bodies. Taking into accountthe different materials, also different methods for producing thespacers and the plate-shaped elements are, moreover, required, thespacers being mostly produced in a separate production plant and, aftertransportation to the production plant of the plate-shaped elements,being used to form the desired building components or shuttering bodies.Furthermore, the spacers, which are usually made of synthetic materialsby injection molding, are extremely expensive such that, in the main,comparatively high production costs will occur for such buildingcomponents or shuttering bodies. Besides, such known buildingcomponents, due to the different materials employed, are prone to damagein the regions of embedment of the spacers in the plate-shaped elements,since a reliable connection between the different materials of spacersand plate-shaped elements is, as a rule, not or only insufficientlyachievable.

When producing such building components or shuttering bodies, it must,moreover, be taken into account that the spacers or connection elementshave comparatively small cross sections between the plate-shapedelements, since an excessive weakening of the wall structure to beproduced is to be feared in the region of such spacers. Furthermore,spacers having large cross-sectional areas are not suitable for ensuringappropriate fire protection, since spacers made of synthetic materialsmay burn through in case of fire if provided with larger cross sections.

Additionally, it is to be taken into consideration that partially highforces will have to be taken up by the spacers both during the fillingprocedure of the curable or settable mass, e.g. concrete, and during thesubsequent compaction and setting process such that the spacers willhave to exhibit accordingly high mechanical strengths. As alreadyindicated above, the use of different materials for the spacers and theplate-shaped elements entails the risk of damage and breaking-outoccurring in the region of the embedment of the spacers in theplate-shaped elements on account of the absent or only insufficientlypresent connection of the different materials, so that the shutteringfunction to be provided during the filling procedure and the settingprocess will not be reliably fulfilled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to further improve a spacer or connectionelement for a building component or shuttering body, such a buildingcomponent or shuttering body for the production of a wall structure aswell as a method and device for producing such a building component orshuttering body, to the effect that the above-mentioned prior artdrawbacks will be avoided while providing, in particular, in a simpleand reliable manner, a spacer or connection element as well as abuilding component or shuttering body for the production of a wallstructure, which exhibit the strength required for the production of awall structure and are also able to meet other demands. In addition, itis aimed at providing a spacer or connection element as well as abuilding component or shuttering body, which can be made available atlow production costs.

To solve these objects, a spacer or connection element of the initiallydefined kind is essentially characterized in that the spacer is made ofpolystyrene, in particular expandable polystyrene, of elevated density.Due to the fact that the spacer according to the invention is made ofpolystyrene, in particular expandable or foamed polystyrene (EPS) ofelevated density, it is ensured that the mechanical strength requiredfor the production of a building component or shuttering body will alsobe provided by a spacer made of polystyrene and, in particular,expandable polystyrene. By using a spacer or connection element ofpolystyrene and, in particular, expandable polystyrene, it is feasibleto provide an accordingly cost-effective spacer which can be produced bymolds or forms that are simpler and less expensive, especially in viewof injection molding techniques.

Furthermore, as will be explained in more detail below, also theplate-shaped elements additionally provided for the production of thebuilding component or shuttering body are, for instance, preferablylikewise made of polystyrene and, in particular, expandable polystyrenesuch that, in the main, a complete building component or shuttering bodycan be produced of a uniform or identical material in a singleproduction plant, thus enabling the plants required for the productionof such a completed building component or shuttering body to be madeavailable at reduced costs.

In addition, as will be explained in detail below, also an accordinglyenhanced connection between the spacer or connection element and theplate-shaped elements will be provided by the production of the buildingcomponent or shuttering body according to the invention and, inparticular, by using a uniform material.

In order to obtain a suitable mechanical strength of the spacer evenwhen using an expandable polystyrene, it is proposed according to apreferred embodiment that the density of the expandable polystyrene ofthe spacer is selected to range between 50 and 250 g/l and, inparticular, from about 70 to 100 g/l. By using such an expandablepolystyrene of elevated density in the indicated density ranges, it willbe ensured that the forces occurring during a subsequent filling andsetting process in the production of a wall structure using theso-called insulated concrete forming system will be taken up safely.When using expandable polystyrene with the elevated density indicated,it is, moreover, safeguarded that, after filling, spacers havingaccordingly small dimensions or cross sections will do to overcome, byaccordingly simple means, the prior art problems mentioned in thebeginning, particularly in regard to an enhanced fire protection and theprovision of an impenetrable element, especially in the longitudinaldirection of the spacer, on account of the small thickness to beachievable. Such securement against penetration of the spacer in thelongitudinal direction is, for instance, important in areas of elevateddangers or risks with a view to providing the required bullet-proofness.

In order to obtain the desired strength characteristics and to provide aproper connection with the plate-shaped elements or embeddings in thelatter, it is proposed according to a further preferred embodiment thatthe spacer is comprised of a planar element designed with an increasedthickness in its end regions relative to the region locatedtherebetween, said end regions being receivable in the plate-shapedelements of the building component. By providing a substantiallycentral, planar or bar-shaped element, the forces to be taken up will bedistributed over accordingly increased cross sections, whereby it is,moreover, feasible, on account of the end regions having increasedthicknesses or dimensions substantially normally to the planar element,to ensure the reliable embedding or anchorage in the plate-shapedelements in the subsequent production of a building component orshuttering body.

In regard to providing an applicability as universal as possible, it isproposed according to a further preferred embodiment that the spacer, ina cross section, is substantially double-T-shaped with the T-like endsbeing receivable in the plate-shaped elements. Such a double-T- orI-shape causes the necessary forces to be reliably distributed over theplanar, central or bar region, while the T-shaped ends are receivable inthe plate-shaped elements or connectable with the plate-shaped elementsover accordingly increased cross sections.

To further promote the subsequent connection with the plate-shapedelement, it is proposed according to a further preferred embodiment thatthe spacer is designed to comprise reinforcements in its end regions,between the planar region and the end regions. Such reinforcements maybe formed by connections between the substantially central, planarelements and the consecutively arranged T-shaped end regions.

To further increase the mechanical strength, it is proposed according toa further preferred embodiment that the spacer is reinforced byreinforcing elements. By using such additional reinforcing elementsembedded in the spacer, accordingly enhanced mechanical strengths willbe provided. Alternatively, when providing appropriate reinforcingelements, small material cross-sections for the spacers will do so as tonot only meet the demands in respect to a small clear cross-section foran enhanced fire protection and bulletproofness, but also allow for therespective savings of material for the spacers.

An optionally desired reinforcement of the spacer will be obtained byembedding or incorporating different reinforcing elements, wherein itis, for instance, proposed in this connection that the reinforcingelements are comprised of loose, optionally hydrophilized, fibersembedded in the spacer. Such fibers can be provided in a great number ofdifferent embodiments as a function of the desired, in particularmechanical, properties to be achieved and also with a view to providinga simple connection with the material of the spacer, wherein such fibersmay, for instance, have lengths ranging from 3 to 10 mm. Alternativelyor additionally, it may be provided that the reinforcements arecomprised of sieve-like or grid-like or net-shaped reinforcements orrods, which are embedded in the spacer, as in correspondence with afurther preferred embodiment of the spacer according to the invention.

In order to obtain enhanced, in particular mechanical, properties whenusing accordingly cost-effective and optionally low-weightreinforcements, it is, moreover, proposed in a preferred manner that thereinforcements are made of metallic or synthetic material.

Since the spacers to be used for the production of building componentsor shuttering bodies extend substantially over the height of therespective plate-shaped element for providing a desired connection, acomparatively large amount of material is required for the production ofthe spacers, in particular for building components or shuttering bodieshaving larger dimensions. In order to reduce the material to beemployed, it may, therefore, be provided that the spacer is designed toinclude at least one recess, depression or breakthrough extendingsubstantially normally to its direction of extension, as incorrespondence with a further preferred embodiment of the spaceraccording to the invention. Such recesses or depressions orbreakthroughs, thus, allow for material savings with a view to enablinga cost-effective production of the spacer and, hence, of the buildingcomponent or shuttering body to be produced. In addition, suchdepressions or recesses may, in particular, be used if provided inmarginal or edge regions of the central, planar element or region forarranging and fixing or positioning armoring or reinforcing elements tobe optionally additionally received in the wall structure to beproduced.

With breakthroughs or recesses formed in the central, planar region,when subsequently filling in a settable mass, said mass, e.g. concrete,will also enter the breakthroughs, so that such breakthroughs will notonly ensure the respective saving of material in the production of thespacers, but also provide a connection between the individual chambersor subregions of a building component or shuttering body, between theindividual spacers. Moreover, thermal bridges and cold bridges will beavoided in the wall structure to be produced.

By arranging breakthroughs or recesses particularly in the planar orcentral region, it may, moreover, be ensured that a clear or averagecross section will be accordingly reduced or limited, which will, inparticular, contribute to an enhanced fire prevention andbulletproofness, as already pointed out above. In this context, it isproposed according to a further preferred embodiment that the spacer, inits planar, central region or element, is formed with at least onebreakthrough to prevent the spacer from being penetrated by a linearelement in its planar region. By preventing a substantially linearpenetration of the spacer in its planar region or element, it will,thus, be ensured that a penetration will be prevented even in the caseof optionally larger cross-sections of the spacer. The entry of thesettable material into appropriately provided breakthroughs or recesseswill, moreover, ensure that direct penetration of the spacer will not bepossible even at a bombardment.

In the context of preventing the spacer from being penetrated by alinear element, or in a longitudinal direction, it may, moreover, beprovided that the spacer is curved or cranked, or formed with relativelyoffset subregions, particularly in its central region, as incorrespondence with a further preferred embodiment of the spaceraccording to the invention. Such a curved or cranked design orarrangement of relatively offset subregions can likewise be producedusing accordingly simple forms or molds and, after filling with asettable or curable material, will prevent the spacer from beingpenetrated in a direction corresponding with the central, planar region.

When using polystyrene and, in particular, expandable polystyrene ofelevated density, spacers with accordingly reduced dimensions oraccordingly reduced thicknesses will do to produce the spacers, wherein,in this connection, it is proposed according to a further preferredembodiment that the spacer has a thickness of less than 25 mm and, inparticular, about 5 to 20 mm and, most preferred, 10 to 15 mm.

To solve the objects set out in the beginning, a building component orshuttering body for the production of a wall structure including twooppositely arranged and substantially parallel plate-shaped elementsconnected by at least two spacers, wherein the free space between theplate-shaped elements is fillable with an, in particular, settable mass,e.g. concrete, is essentially characterized in that the buildingcomponent comprises at least two spacers according to the invention, ora preferred embodiment thereof, and the plate-shaped elements are madeof polystyrene, in particular expandable polystyrene. It is, thus,feasible, by a simple configuration, to provide an accordingly resistantbuilding component or shuttering body, to which end, as already pointedout above, simplified production plants will do by forming both thespacer and the plate-shaped elements of polystyrene, in particularexpandable polystyrene. In this respect, it should not only to be bornein mind that the same material is used both for the spacer and for theplate-shaped elements, but that both the spacer and the plate-shapedelements can be produced by accordingly simpler forming methodsrequiring less expensive tools as opposed, for instance, to the morecost-intensive molds required for injection molding. As likewise alreadyindicated above, by forming both the spacers and the plate-shapedelements of polystyrene, in particular expandable polystyrene, it is,moreover, ensured that, by embedding the spacers and, in particular,their end portions in the plate-shaped elements, a reliable connectionwith the material of the surrounding plate-shaped elements is provided,wherein, by the application of foaming methods when using expandablepolystyrene, a connection like a weld or fusion will be realized betweenthe plate-shaped elements and the end regions of the spacers. Such ajoint or weld provides an accordingly high-strength connection betweenthe individual elements or components, whereby the forces occurringduring the filling procedure and/or setting process will be distributedin the plate-shaped elements over a wide area through said connectionsuch that accordingly high forces will also be reliably taken up,without having to fear damage to the building components or shutteringbodies according to the invention, in particular in the region of theconnection between the spacers and the plate-shaped elements. Besides, abuilding component according to the invention will be simpler and lessexpensive to dispose of, since it is not made of different materialsrequiring separate disposal as is, for instance, common in the priorart.

In order to achieve the desired strength properties of the buildingcomponent or shuttering body according to the invention when usingspacers of expandable polystyrene, it is provided according to a furtherpreferred embodiment that the spacers are formed of an expandablepolystyrene having an elevated density relative to the material of theplate-shaped elements.

To produce accordingly light-weight building components or shutteringelements, it is, moreover, proposed according to a further preferredembodiment that the density of the expandable polystyrene for theplate-shaped elements is selected to range between 10 and 50 g/l and, inparticular, from about 20 to 30 g/l.

For the use of the building component according to the invention for theproduction of a wall structure that is simple to construct, it is,moreover, proposed that the plate-shaped elements, on their upper andlower boundary edges, are at least partially provided with profilescooperating with complementary profiles of a further building componentarranged thereabove or therebelow, as in correspondence with a furtherpreferred embodiment of the building component according to theinvention. In this context, it is proposed according to a furtherpreferred embodiment that the profiles are formed by substantiallyregularly arranged projections and depressions.

As already mentioned above, such building components or shutteringbodies according to the invention are used in a so-called insulatedconcrete forming system, wherein the building components or shutteringbodies will serve as lost shutterings, which, taking into account theplate-shaped elements made of synthetic material and, in particular,expandable polystyrene, will impart appropriate insulation properties tothe completed wall structure. In order to obtain desired and optionallydifferent insulation properties as a function of use, it is proposedaccording to a further preferred embodiment that the plate-shapedelements have different thicknesses.

To solve the objects set out in the beginning, a method for producing abuilding component or shuttering body for the production of a wallstructure including two oppositely arranged and substantially parallelplate-shaped elements connected by at least two spacers, wherein thefree space between the plate-shaped elements is filled with an, inparticular, settable mass, e.g. concrete, is essentially characterizedby the steps of:

producing spacers of polystyrene, in particular expandable polystyrene;andforming the plate-shaped elements of polystyrene, in particularexpandable polystyrene, in a mold, wherein the spacers are connectedwith, or embedded in, the plate-shaped elements in their end regions.

It is, thus, feasible to produce a building component or shuttering bodyaccording to the invention by simple steps and in a joint productionplant for providing and processing polystyrene and, in particularexpandable polystyrene. It is, thus, for instance, feasible to producethe building component or shuttering body according to the invention forthe production of a wall structure in a joint method, wherein thespacers are produced of polystyrene, in particular expandablepolystyrene of elevated density, in a first method step, whereupon theplate-shaped elements are likewise produced of polystyrene, inparticular expandable polystyrene, in a second method step, using, forinstance, a joint mold in which polystyrenes, in particular expandablepolystyrenes, of different densities are introduced into the subregionsrespectively provided for the spacers and the plate-shaped elements.

Alternatively, and optionally for the provision of simpler molds, it maybe provided that the spacers of polystyrene, in particular expandablepolystyrene, are produced in separate molds, as in correspondence with apreferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, such thatpolystyrenes, in particular expandable polystyrenes, of differentdensities are each introduced into a separate mold for the production ofa spacer of elevated density according to the invention and theplate-shaped elements of lower density, respectively.

In particular, when producing the spacers in separate molds, theinitially produced spacers are subsequently placed in a mold as afunction of the plate-shaped elements, as in correspondence with afurther preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention,wherein, by the subsequent production and, in particular, foaming of theplate-shaped elements, the latter are reliably and safely connecteddirectly with the spacers in the end regions of the same.

In order to obtain accordingly high mechanical strengths of the spacers,it is proposed according to a further preferred configuration of themethod according to the invention that reinforcements are embedded inthe mold for the production of a spacer prior to the introduction of theexpandable polystyrene.

To solve the initially mentioned objects, a device for producing abuilding component or shuttering body for the production of a wallstructure including to oppositely located and substantially parallel,plate-shaped elements connected by at least two spacers, wherein thefree space between the plate-shaped elements is fillable with an, inparticular, settable mass, e.g. concrete, moreover, is essentiallycharacterized by:

means for producing the spacers of polystyrene, in particular expandablepolystyrene; andmeans for producing the plate-shaped elements, comprising at least onemold for receiving the spacers and for introducing expandablepolystyrene for forming the plate-shaped elements and connecting samewith the spacers, or embedding the spacers in the plate-shaped elements,respectively.

It will thereby be feasible to do with a simple plant or device fortreating or processing polystyrene, in particular expandablepolystyrene, so as to enable the production of the building componentsor shuttering bodies according to the invention, in particular, in acost-effective and reliable manner. As already pointed out above, abuilding component or shuttering body according to the invention can besubstantially produced in a joint device, with the means for producingthe spacers introducing polystyrene, in particular expandablepolystyrene of an accordingly elevated density, into mold subregionsprovided for forming the spacers, wherein, after the production of thespacers, the plate-shaped elements are produced of expandablepolystyrene and connected with the spacers, or the latter are embeddedin the same.

As already indicated above, it may be provided according to a furtherpreferred embodiment that separate means for producing the spacers areprovided.

As already mentioned above, the present invention, moreover, relates toa wall structure comprised of a plurality of superimposed and/oradjacently arranged building components or shuttering bodies accordingto the invention or a preferred embodiment thereof.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail by wayof exemplary embodiments schematically illustrated in the accompanyingdrawing. Therein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a spacer accordingto the invention, for a building component according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the spacer according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view on a building component according to the invention,using a plurality of spacers according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the building component according to FIG.3;

FIG. 5 is a view of a modified embodiment of a spacer according to theinvention, FIG. 5 a depicting a side view of the spacer in anillustration similar to that of FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 b depicting a sectionalong line Vb-Vb of FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 6, in an illustration similar to that of FIG. 5, depicts anothermodified embodiment of a spacer according to the invention, FIG. 6 aagain being a side view and FIG. 6 b a section along line VIb-VIb ofFIG. 6 a;

FIGS. 7 and 8 depict views of further modified embodiments of spacersaccording to the invention for the production of building components orshuttering bodies according to the invention, again in side viewssimilar to that of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a schematic, partial top view on a modified embodiment of abuilding component according to the invention, using mutually crossingor intersecting spacers according to the invention;

FIG. 10, in an illustration similar to that of FIG. 9, is a top view ona modified embodiment of a building component according to theinvention, using spacers extending obliquely or inclinedly relative toone another and arranged in the manner of a framework construction;

FIG. 11 is a schematic flow chart of a method according to the inventionfor producing a building component or shuttering body according to theinvention; and

FIG. 12, on an enlarged scale, schematically illustrates the receptionor embedment of an end region of a spacer according to the invention ina plate-shaped element for the production of a building componentaccording to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIGS. 1 and 2, a spacer or connection element is generally denoted by1, wherein a plurality of such connection elements 1, as illustrated inFIG. 3, are used for the production of a building component orshuttering body 2, as will be discussed in more detail below.

The spacer represented in FIGS. 1 and 2 is comprised of a central,planar element or region 3 adjoined by end regions 4, which, in theembodiment illustrated, form a double-T-shape or I-shape together withthe central, planar region 3.

In addition, reinforcing elements 5 are indicated in the region of theT-shaped end regions 4, said reinforcing elements providing an enhancedanchorage effect, in particular, if the spacers 1 are embedded inplate-shaped elements 6 and 7 of the building component 2.

Moreover, depressions or recesses 8 are indicated in edge regions of thecentral region 3 to subsequently receive, for instance, additionalarmoring or reinforcing rods, as will be discussed below.

From FIG. 3, it is apparent that a plurality of spacers 1 are embeddedor received in the substantially parallelly arranged plate-shapedelements 6 and 7, wherein both the plate-shaped elements 6 and 7 and thespacers are made of polystyrene and, in particular, expandablepolystyrene.

In order to take up the forces acting on the spacers 1 during thesubsequent filling of the building component or shuttering body 2 with asettable mass, e.g. concrete, it is provided that the spacers orconnection elements 1 are made of a polystyrene having a higher densitythan that of the plate-shaped elements 6 and 7. In doing so, a range of50 to 250 g/l and, in particular, about 70 to 100 g/l, may be chosen forthe density of the spacers 1, while polystyrene having a density ofbelow 50 g/l and, for instance, about 20 to 30 g/l is used to obtain theusually desired insulation properties by the plate-shaped elements 6 and7 designed as a lost shuttering.

From the illustrations according to FIGS. 3 and 4, of the buildingcomponent or shuttering body 2, it is, moreover, apparent that theplate-shaped elements 6 and 7, on their upper and lower sides, aredesigned to include profiles formed by elevations or projections 9 anddepressions 10, which cooperate with respectively corresponding profilesof building components 2 arranged beside, above or below the same, inorder to provide a wall structure having an appropriate height extensionby the stacking of such building components 2 one above the other.

FIG. 4, moreover, indicates the arrangement of an additional armoring orreinforcement rod 11. According to demands, several reinforcing rodsmay, of course, be arranged in the respective depressions or recesses 8of the individual spacers or connection elements 1. Furthermore, whenarranging building components 2 one above the other, additionalreinforcing elements may also be incorporated in the vertical direction,which, if required, may be connected with the reinforcing elementsarranged, for instance, in the horizontal direction in a manner similarto the reinforcing rod 11.

From the enlarged illustration according to FIG. 12, it is apparent thatthe T-shaped end region 4 of a just partially illustrated spacer 1 isaccordingly embedded in the plate-shaped element 6 or 7, respectively,wherein, considering the fact that polystyrene, in particular expandablepolystyrene, is used both for the spacer 1 and for the plate-shapedelements 6 and 7, a direct connection or weld or fusion is effectedbetween the T-shaped end region 4 and the surrounding region of thematerial of the plate-shaped elements 6 and 7. Because of the connectionprovided by using the same material both for the spacer 1 and for theplate-shaped elements 6 and 7, forces occurring during the fillingprocedure and/or setting process will, thus, be introduced into theplate-shaped elements 6 and 7 over an enlarged partial area, as isindicated by the lines of force 12, so that no damage in the region ofthe reception of the, in particular, T-shaped end regions 4 in regard totearing-out from the plate-shaped element 6 or 7 need be feared.

FIG. 5 depicts a modified embodiment of a spacer 13, wherein it is to beseen that the planar, central region adjacent the, in particular,T-shaped end regions again denoted by 4, is subdivided into twosubregions 14 and 15 which are mutually offset in a central portion 16.The offset arrangement of the subregions 14 and 15 ensures that nolinear passage through the spacer 13 is enabled such that an accordinglygood resistance, in particular, against piercing of the spacer 13 orshooting through the same will be safeguarded.

Also in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, additional reinforcements5 are again indicated in the region of the T-shaped end pieces 4.Breakthroughs or recesses 8 are again provided for accommodatingreinforcements.

In the modified embodiment represented in FIG. 6, it is apparent for aspacer 17 that the central, planar region is comprised of threerelatively offset subregions 18, 19 and 20 so as to again prevent alinear passage through the spacer 17.

In FIGS. 7 and 8, further modified embodiments of spacers 21 and 22 areillustrated, for which it is apparent that by the arrangement of atleast one breakthrough or recess 23 or 24 and 24′, respectively, it willeach be ensured that a substantially linear passage through the spaceror connection element 21, 22 will again be impossible.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, substantially circularbreakthroughs 23 are arranged in a relatively offset manner, while inthe embodiment according to FIG. 8, recesses or depressions 24 and 24′mutually crossing in the central region are each provided substantiallyover one half of the thickness of the spacer 22.

In addition to providing the possibility of preventing linear passage,the breakthroughs or recesses 23 and 24, 24′, respectively, in theembodiments according to FIGS. 7 and 8, moreover, ensure that adjacentsubregions or chambers between individual spacers 21 and 22 will beconnected when being filled with the settable mass, by the settable massentering the breakthroughs 23 and 24, so as to provide a mechanicalconnection between neighboring subregions separated from each other bythe spacers 21 and 22.

Furthermore, the fire protection properties of the embodiments depictedin FIGS. 5 to 8 will be enhanced, since an immediate burning-throughthrough curved or buckled or offset configurations is impossible,wherein an immediate breaking-through of a spacer 21 or 22 will likewisebe avoided by the arrangement of breakthroughs 23 and 24, 24′,respectively.

In FIGS. 9 and 10, further modified embodiments of spacer arrangementsbetween plate-shaped elements again denoted by 6 and 7, of a buildingcomponent 2 are indicated. In the embodiment according to FIG. 9,mutually crossing or inter-secting spacers 25 are indicated, while inthe embodiment according to FIG. 10, spacers 26 which are arrangedobliquely or inclinedly relative to the substantially parallel elements6 and 7 are shown. These spacers 25 and 26 are again embedded in theplate-shaped elements 6 and 7 via substantially T-shaped end regions 4,further forming being, for instance, realized in a manner similar thatof the spacers illustrated in the preceding embodiments.

In order to achieve optionally increased strength characteristics, itmay, moreover, be provided that reinforcement elements comprised, forinstance, of fiber reinforcements or sieve-like reinforcing elements areembedded in the spacers 1, 13, 17, 21, 22, 25 and 26 by beingrespectively incorporated in the spacers 1, 13, 17, 21, 22, 25 and 26 atthe production of these spacers, during the foaming procedure of theexpandable polystyrene of elevated density.

In particular, when providing reinforcements, which may, for instance,be made of synthetic material or metal, spacers 1, 13, 17, 21, 22, 25and 26 having accordingly reduced cross sections or reduced thicknesseswill do yet while maintaining the required and, in particular,mechanical properties. For the central, planar region, thicknesses ofabout 5 to 20 mm and, in particular, 10 to 15 mm, will, for instance, doat accordingly elevated densities of the polystyrene, in particularexpandable polystyrene, used for the production of the spacers 1, 13,17, 21, 22, 25 and 26.

FIG. 11 schematically depicts a process diagram for the production of abuilding component or shuttering body 2, wherein, in a first step S1,the production of a spacer 1, 13, 17, 21, 22, 25 and 26 is effected, towhich end polystyrene, in particular expandable polystyrene of anaccordingly elevated density, is introduced into a mold.

After the production of the spacers 1, 13, 17, 21, 22, 25 and 26 in stepS1 in a separate device, these spacers are placed in a mold for theproduction of the building component or shuttering body 2 in a step S2,after which, in a further step S3, the plate-shaped elements 6 and 7 arelikewise formed by introducing expandable polystyrene into a moldcorresponding with the plate-shaped elements 6 and 7. Due to theaccordingly elevated temperatures occurring during the foamingprocedure, a connection between the material of the plate-shapedelements 6 and 7 as well as the spacers likewise produced of expandablepolystyrene of elevated density is immediately realized in the form ofwelding or fusing together as explained in detail with reference to FIG.12.

Bearing in mind the method steps represented in the process diagramaccording to FIG. 11, a building component or shuttering body 2 can,thus, be produced using an accordingly simple device, wherein a separatedevice or, in general, means for producing the spacers 1, 13, 17, 21,22, and 26 is provided according to step S1.

Moreover, means or device for producing the building component 2 byarranging the spacers in a suitable mold and subsequently foaming theplate-shaped elements 6 and 7 for connection with the end regions 4 ofthe spacers 1, 13, 17, 21, 22, 25 and 26 is provided according to stepsS2 and S3. In this respect, the automatic transfer into the mold, of thespacers 1, 13, 17, 21, 22, 25 and 26 produced in the device according tostep S1 may, for instance, be provided to perform steps S2 and S3.

Instead of the process diagram represented in FIG. 11, in which thespacers 1, 13, 17, 21, 22, 25 and 26 are produced in a separate devicein step S1, a joint mold may be provided for the production of both thespacers 1, 13, 17, 21, 22, 25 and 26 and the plate-shaped elements 6 and7, wherein polystyrene, in particular expandable polystyrene of anaccordingly elevated density, is introduced into, and treated andprocessed in, the subregions of the mold, in which the spacers 1, 13,17, 21, 22, 25 and 26 are to be produced subsequently, whereupon, inconsecutive step S3, the plate-shaped elements 6 and 7 are formed byintroducing expandable polystyrene of an accordingly lower density intothe mold in correspondence with the plate-shaped elements 6 and 7, whileeffecting a connection with the spacers 1, 13, 17, 21, 22, 25 and 26, orembedment of the latter in the plate-shaped elements 6 and 7.

When providing such a joint mold for the production of both the spacers1, 13, 17, 21, 22, 25 and 26 and the plate-shaped elements 6 and 7, theadditional method step S2 of transporting or transferring the spacers 1,13, 17, 21, 22, and 26 produced in a separate device in step S1 can beobviated. When using such a method and such a device, respectively, itmust, however, be made sure that the starting materials, in particularexpandable polystyrenes of different densities, will be available forthe production of the spacers 1, 13, 17, 21, 22, 25 and 26 as well asthe plate-shaped elements 6 and 7 in consecutive steps and differentmold subregions.

Instead of the recesses 8 illustrated in the Figures, an accordinglymodified number and/or form or shape may be provided for the recesses ordepressions 8 to accommodate, for instance, armoring rods or reinforcingelements.

In addition to the circular or elliptical or rounded-off recesses orbreakthroughs 23 and 24, 24′ shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, recesses orbreakthroughs having accordingly modified, e.g. rectangular, square,etc., cross sections may be provided.

In addition to avoiding a substantial linear passage through a spacer byproviding breakthroughs or recesses 23 and 24, 24′, such breakthroughsor recesses will also ensure an accordingly large saving of material forthe formation of the spacers 21 and 22.

By forming both the spacers 1, 13, 17, 21, 22, 25 and 26 and theplate-shaped elements 6 and 7 each of polystyrene, in particularexpandable polystyrene, an optionally required disposal of such buildingcomponents or shuttering bodies 2, or wastes thereof, will also befacilitated in that no separation into individual elements or componentsis required, as has been the case with known embodiments.

It is, moreover, feasible to use a simple and cost-effective mode ofrealizing the processing of expandable polystyrene for the production ofthe spacers 1, 13, 17, 21, 22, 25 and 26, in particular, as opposed toknown injection molding techniques.

Furthermore, the end regions 4, instead of comprising the T-shapesillustrated, may have modified shapes, whereby reliable embedding in theplate-shaped elements 6 and 7, respectively, will, in particular, befeasible by providing an appropriate thickness or dimension of the endregion 4 relative to the central element or region 3 as is, inparticular, illustrated in FIG. 12.

1. A spacer or connection element for a building component or shutteringbody for the production of a wall structure including two oppositelylocated and substantially parallel, plate-shaped elements connected byat least two spacers, wherein the free space between the plate-shapedelements is fillable with an, in particular, settable mass, e.g.concrete, wherein the spacer is made of polystyrene, in particularexpandable polystyrene, of elevated density.
 2. A spacer according toclaim 1, wherein the density of the expandable polystyrene of the spaceris selected to range between 50 and 250 g/l and, in particular, fromabout 70 to 100 g/l.
 3. A spacer according to claim 1, wherein thespacer is comprised of a planar element designed with an increasedthickness in its end regions relative to the region locatedtherebetween, said end regions being receivable in the plate-shapedelements of the building component.
 4. A spacer according to claim 3,wherein the spacer, in a cross section, is substantially double-T-shapedwith the T-like ends being receivable in the plate-shaped elements.
 5. Aspacer according to claim 3, wherein the spacer is designed to comprisereinforcements in its end regions, between the planar region and the endregions.
 6. A spacer according to claim 1, wherein the spacer isreinforced by reinforcing elements.
 7. A spacer according to claim 6,wherein the reinforcing elements are comprised of loose, optionallyhydrophilized, fibers embedded in the spacer.
 8. A spacer according toclaim 6, wherein the reinforcements are comprised of sieve-like orgrid-like or net-shaped reinforcements or rods, which are embedded inthe spacer.
 9. A spacer according to claim 6, wherein the reinforcementsare made of metallic or synthetic material.
 10. A spacer according toclaim 1, wherein the spacer is designed to include at least one recess,depression or breakthrough extending substantially normally to itsdirection of extension.
 11. A spacer according to claim 10, wherein thespacer, in its planar, central region, is formed with at least onebreakthrough to prevent the spacer from being penetrated by a linearelement in its planar region.
 12. A spacer according to claim 1, whereinthe spacer is curved or cranked, or formed with relatively offsetsubregions, particularly in its central region.
 13. A spacer accordingto claim 1, wherein the spacer has a thickness of less than 25 mm and,in particular, about 5 to 20 mm and, most preferred, 10 to 15 mm.
 14. Abuilding component or shuttering body for the production of a wallstructure including two oppositely arranged and substantially parallelplate-shaped elements connected by at least two spacers, wherein thefree space between the plate-shaped elements is fillable with an, inparticular, settable mass, e.g. concrete, wherein it comprises at leasttwo spacers according to claim 1 and the plate-shaped elements are madeof polystyrene, in particular expandable polystyrene.
 15. A buildingcomponent according to claim 14, wherein the spacers are formed of anexpandable polystyrene having an elevated density relative to thematerial of the plate-shaped elements.
 16. A building componentaccording to claim 14, wherein the density of the expandable polystyrenefor the plate-shaped elements is selected to range between 10 and 50 g/land, in particular, from about 20 to 30 g/l.
 17. A building componentaccording to claim 14, wherein the plate-shaped elements, on their upperand lower boundary edges, are at least partially provided with profilescooperating with complementary profiles of a further building componentarranged thereabove or therebelow.
 18. A building component according toclaim 17, wherein the profiles are comprised of substantially regularlyarranged projections and depressions.
 19. A building component accordingto claim 14, wherein the plate-shaped elements have differentthicknesses.
 20. A method for producing a building component orshuttering body for the production of a wall structure including twooppositely arranged and substantially parallel plate-shaped elementsconnected by at least two spacers, wherein the free space between theplate-shaped elements is filled with an, in particular, settable mass,e.g. concrete, characterized by the steps of: producing spacers ofpolystyrene, in particular expandable polystyrene; and forming theplate-shaped elements of polystyrene, in particular expandablepolystyrene, in a mold, wherein the spacers are connected with, orembedded in, the plate-shaped elements in their end regions.
 21. Amethod according to claim 20, wherein the spacers of expandablepolystyrene are produced in separate molds.
 22. A method according toclaim 20, wherein the spacers are placed in a mold as a function of theplate-shaped elements.
 23. A method according to claim 20, whereinreinforcements are embedded in the mold for the production of a spacerprior to the introduction of the expandable polystyrene.
 24. A devicefor producing a building component or shuttering body for the productionof a wall structure including to oppositely located and substantiallyparallel, plate-shaped elements connected by at least two spacers,wherein the free space between the plate-shaped elements is fillablewith an, in particular, settable mass, e.g. concrete, characterized by:means for producing the spacers of polystyrene, in particular expandablepolystyrene; and means for producing the plate-shaped elements,comprising at least one mold for receiving and producing the spacers andfor introducing expandable polystyrene for forming the plate-shapedelements and connecting same with the spacers, or embedding the spacersin the plate-shaped elements, respectively.
 25. A wall structurecomprised of a plurality of super-imposed and/or adjacently arrangedbuilding components or shuttering bodies according to claim 14.